What Recent Hospice Changes Mean for Oregon Families

June 2026 | The Everlight Journal

When a loved one is facing a serious illness, the last thing families should have to worry about is whether they can trust the care they are receiving. That is why recent changes at both the state and federal level are drawing attention throughout the hospice community.

In 2026, Oregon enacted a temporary moratorium on most new hospice licenses while the state develops additional oversight measures. Around the same time, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a nationwide temporary moratorium on new Medicare enrollments for hospice providers as part of a broader effort to strengthen program integrity and combat fraud.

While headlines about regulations can sound concerning, there is an important message families should know:

These changes do not impact patients currently receiving hospice care, nor do they affect the availability of quality hospice services in our community.

In fact, the purpose of these measures is to protect patients and families.

Hospice is one of the most personal and meaningful services in healthcare. Families invite us into their homes and lives during some of life's most sacred moments. That level of trust must be earned every day through compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right.

At Everlight Hospice, we welcome efforts that strengthen accountability and uphold the standards that patients deserve. Quality hospice care should never be measured solely by regulations or surveys, but by the experience of the families we serve—the comfort of a patient whose symptoms are managed, the reassurance of a caregiver who no longer feels alone, and the peace that comes from knowing someone is always there when needed.

As a locally owned Oregon hospice, we remain committed to providing individualized care that honors each person's goals, values, and wishes. Our team of nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers, and physicians works together to support not only the patient, but the entire family.

Whether you are currently receiving hospice care, considering hospice services, or simply seeking information for a loved one, we encourage you to ask questions and learn more about your options. Choosing a hospice provider is an important decision, and every family deserves a team they can trust.

As our healthcare system continues to evolve, one thing remains unchanged at Everlight Hospice: our commitment to being present for those we serve.

Strong regulations and oversight help ensure that patients receive the high-quality care they deserve. But beyond the policies, standards, and compliance requirements, hospice remains deeply personal.

It is about showing up.

It is about listening.

It is about providing comfort, guidance, and support when families need it most.

It is about walking alongside patients and their loved ones through every step of the journey.

At Everlight Hospice, we remain committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care while upholding the highest standards of quality and accountability.

Ever Present. Ever Caring. Everlight.

If you have questions about hospice eligibility, services, or support available for your family, our team is always here to help.